Me!Me! MEMEEEE!!!
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New Collection of Picture Books! |
POETRY MONTH!
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So... we have a beautiful new growing collection of children's and illustrated books in our library. For quite a few years Ms. Deaton has been gradually collecting these books to read to her weekly special education classes. Over time, the Reader-Leader's have been taking over the job as reading buddies which has also prompted Ms. Deaton to expand the collection of these amazing picture books. So, you might ask "Are picture books relevant to middle school students?" Well.... keep reading!
On April 17th, Ms. Bateman and Ms. Deaton and four Carroll students led a session called ART OF THE BOOK, which featured two collaborative projects. One was an artistic rescue of many of the old books that were weeded (removed) from the library. Ms. Deaton gave carts of old books to Ms. Bateman to play with. She then encouraged her art students to create book sculptures. The results were so imaginative and a true honor to the beautiful life that these books had lived. Many are on display in the gallery space in the Library Learning Commons. The other project that the team presented on was the Children's Storybook Collaborative where Ms. Deaton's Reader-Leaders created stories, and Ms. Bateman's students did illustrations. Many students were so inspired that they choose to be both author and illustrator.
In addition to the great synergy of authors and artists, there was a special synchronistic bonus at the conference, the keynote featured Don Tate (illustrator) and Chris Barton (author) who spoke about their own working relationship as author and artist! Now THAT'S SYNERGY!
On April 17th, Ms. Bateman and Ms. Deaton and four Carroll students led a session called ART OF THE BOOK, which featured two collaborative projects. One was an artistic rescue of many of the old books that were weeded (removed) from the library. Ms. Deaton gave carts of old books to Ms. Bateman to play with. She then encouraged her art students to create book sculptures. The results were so imaginative and a true honor to the beautiful life that these books had lived. Many are on display in the gallery space in the Library Learning Commons. The other project that the team presented on was the Children's Storybook Collaborative where Ms. Deaton's Reader-Leaders created stories, and Ms. Bateman's students did illustrations. Many students were so inspired that they choose to be both author and illustrator.
In addition to the great synergy of authors and artists, there was a special synchronistic bonus at the conference, the keynote featured Don Tate (illustrator) and Chris Barton (author) who spoke about their own working relationship as author and artist! Now THAT'S SYNERGY!
How to Survive Fake News, Marketing,
Info Overload & just plain Confusion!
CLICK HERE for FAKE NEWS Survey & Resources
There has been a lot of talk these days about the increasing number of fake news stories resulting in everything from outrage, to confusion and misunderstanding. What are we to believe when it is so easy to publish, and the news cycles are so quick that fact checking is not a regular part of sharing the news. When even journalists who have a degree get duped, then what can we expect of our students.
A recent Stanford University study found that 82 percent of middle schoolers did not know the difference between a real news story and an ad that clearly stated it was “sponsored content,” basically unedited advertising. from: http://billmoyers.com/story/savvy-news-consumers-guide-not-get-duped/
TIP #1 BUILD a HABIT to have Critical Discussions!
Regularly ask students to come in to class the next day with information about a topic you are covering in class. Spend 5 minutes as a warm-up activity to review some of their responses. Don't worry about the fact that you cannot control what they find... but you CAN have a CRITICAL DISCUSSION about the information they find and you MODEL how to curate information and a critical framework. Developing the habit of mind will not come in an isolated lesson... And you don't even need a lot of laminated props...
STAY POSTED! Go to the FAKE NEWS Project page
I have a FAKE NEWS page with survey and resources for you and students. I am also going to do a PD at March Edcamp on RESEARCH where I hope we can collaborate on the issues, problems and solutions! All of this was kicked off during February circulation, and we'll continue the conversation in March as a faculty team!
A recent Stanford University study found that 82 percent of middle schoolers did not know the difference between a real news story and an ad that clearly stated it was “sponsored content,” basically unedited advertising. from: http://billmoyers.com/story/savvy-news-consumers-guide-not-get-duped/
TIP #1 BUILD a HABIT to have Critical Discussions!
Regularly ask students to come in to class the next day with information about a topic you are covering in class. Spend 5 minutes as a warm-up activity to review some of their responses. Don't worry about the fact that you cannot control what they find... but you CAN have a CRITICAL DISCUSSION about the information they find and you MODEL how to curate information and a critical framework. Developing the habit of mind will not come in an isolated lesson... And you don't even need a lot of laminated props...
STAY POSTED! Go to the FAKE NEWS Project page
I have a FAKE NEWS page with survey and resources for you and students. I am also going to do a PD at March Edcamp on RESEARCH where I hope we can collaborate on the issues, problems and solutions! All of this was kicked off during February circulation, and we'll continue the conversation in March as a faculty team!
Everyone please take
Top Teens Read!
Quick Survey!
Reader-Leaders:
MAKING the NEWS!
easier than you think...
READER-LEADERS are using a wide variety of ways to share the stories that they are reading. The big project for quarter two is to come up with a way to share the book. The requirements were wide open...some students choose a live skit, some a piece of fan fiction, others a diorama, and others a mash up of media all incorporating the essence and some quotes from the book. The students in the video decided to create a newscast describing the day Malala got shot by the Taliban. While they were recording their newscast I snuck up behind them and took the video and edited on iMovie. Stay posted for the finished projects!
CAN I MAKE THE NEWS?
Sometimes student projects are a little overwhelming...especially if there are a lot of little details to consider. One thing that Carroll students have been doing a lot of is making movies on their iPad. It might be nice to have a fancy news desk and a green screen, but maybe you can make the news with a few basics. You can use a Powerpoint Slide show with backgrounds that are used for a live performance or a pre-recording. There are many great places you can record to make an interesting video(like in the Learning Commons or on one of the cool cafe tables in the hallway where it is quiet). Avoid shooting against a window though to avoid backlighting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ms. Deaton or Dr. Lanier could lead a mini lesson on some basics of framing, lighting as well as the planning process of making a video production. CHECK OUT the buttons below for quick links to lessons on 1) making the news and 2) making book trailers or other movie presentations. There you can find templates as well as resources like storyboard (a critical planning tool!).
CAN I MAKE THE NEWS?
Sometimes student projects are a little overwhelming...especially if there are a lot of little details to consider. One thing that Carroll students have been doing a lot of is making movies on their iPad. It might be nice to have a fancy news desk and a green screen, but maybe you can make the news with a few basics. You can use a Powerpoint Slide show with backgrounds that are used for a live performance or a pre-recording. There are many great places you can record to make an interesting video(like in the Learning Commons or on one of the cool cafe tables in the hallway where it is quiet). Avoid shooting against a window though to avoid backlighting.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ms. Deaton or Dr. Lanier could lead a mini lesson on some basics of framing, lighting as well as the planning process of making a video production. CHECK OUT the buttons below for quick links to lessons on 1) making the news and 2) making book trailers or other movie presentations. There you can find templates as well as resources like storyboard (a critical planning tool!).
Monsters INK:
frightening situations!
disabling conditions!
bullies & the bullied!
October tradition at Carroll involves a celebration of the end of the quarter with a Scholastic Bookfair the last week of October. Gradually through the course of the month our beloved Learning Commons turns into a Haunted Library and setting for a Spooky Reader's theater. Stay posted for special events!
The OCTOBER Theme - MONSTERS INK - is not only about horror fiction, but also all sorts of frightening situations, from bullies and the bullied, to disabling conditions. Look for the displays that feature stories on Disability Awareness, as well as anti-Bullying month. READING about how others survive challenging situations can give us understanding, compassion, but also the strength and power to overcome our own "disabling situations" and the monsters we must face.
The OCTOBER Theme - MONSTERS INK - is not only about horror fiction, but also all sorts of frightening situations, from bullies and the bullied, to disabling conditions. Look for the displays that feature stories on Disability Awareness, as well as anti-Bullying month. READING about how others survive challenging situations can give us understanding, compassion, but also the strength and power to overcome our own "disabling situations" and the monsters we must face.
TWITTER : @superbookninja
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Learning Commons:
NEW furniture has arrived!
Click for details about the CONTEST!
Surprise Me
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Need a surprise around the holidays?
Ms. Deaton and her elves will be selecting great books to read based on your personal requests. Click on the picture and fill in the short form to request a book that will be gift-wrapped and ready to pick up the day before the Winter Break.
All Ms. Deaton asks is that you wait until the next morning to open your surprise! Make a cup of hot chocolate (or tea) and sit back and enjoy a hand-selected title, just for you!
Dont forget to return the book to the Learning Commons in January!
Ms. Deaton and her elves will be selecting great books to read based on your personal requests. Click on the picture and fill in the short form to request a book that will be gift-wrapped and ready to pick up the day before the Winter Break.
All Ms. Deaton asks is that you wait until the next morning to open your surprise! Make a cup of hot chocolate (or tea) and sit back and enjoy a hand-selected title, just for you!
Dont forget to return the book to the Learning Commons in January!
WONDER by R.J. Palacio is hands-down the #1 most popular book at Carroll. Even kids who say they don't like to read, are begging for our last copies of this classic book about Auggie, a boy who has a disease which has left his face disfigured. Join him on a journey as he goes to school for the first time...MIDDLE SCHOOL! See how he faces cruel stares and bullies. This book is the ultimate tribute to being different and
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Are you a READER-LEADER?
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reader_leader_application_.pdf | |
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READER-LEADERS &
Building a Culture of Reading!
Ms. Deaton shares "Reader-Leader:
building a culture of reading" at
World Library and Information Congress
August 15 & 16, 2016
Driving back from the World Library and Information Congress I had time to reflect on the phenomenal people I had the great honor of meeting. I met with leaders in the public as well as academic and school library worlds... literally from around the world. I presented a poster session on my experiences working with students as "Reader-Leaders" in after school clubs as well as elective courses. Standing with my presentation poster, I was engaged with people from Finland to as far away as Bhutan for two days connecting, sharing, and learning. Also... to my very great honor, I was asked by Blanche Woolls with ABC-CLIO (as well as many other illustrious titles to her name) to write an article for School Library Connections on the READER-LEADER concept to keep students at the center of what we do.
During the coming year I am VERY excited to do a re-boot for my Reader-Leader classes. Students will be working in the Learning Commons on a wide variety of tasks, from helping Lead at the circulation desk (with book check in and out and helping students with finding great books) but also Lead with events in the Learning Commons (Reader's Theater, Poet's Coffeehouse, contests, cool displays and more.)
If you are interested, please fill out an application (attached above or pick up in the Learning Commons.) Submit to Ms. Deaton ASAP!
During the coming year I am VERY excited to do a re-boot for my Reader-Leader classes. Students will be working in the Learning Commons on a wide variety of tasks, from helping Lead at the circulation desk (with book check in and out and helping students with finding great books) but also Lead with events in the Learning Commons (Reader's Theater, Poet's Coffeehouse, contests, cool displays and more.)
If you are interested, please fill out an application (attached above or pick up in the Learning Commons.) Submit to Ms. Deaton ASAP!
Circulation + to the Learning Commons
I would love to get your thoughts on how we will proceed with circulation this coming year. Please click the button for the survey for each team. Basically there are two choices. a) Through Team Electives (so ALL teachers can visit) b) Through Core classes (either rotating, OR, through a single Core. )
Last year our "Smart Lunch" system was really successful and I really loved that ALL faculty could come to the Learning Commons at least once a month. With the opportuity to come through the TEAM ELECTIVES, I am thinking of another great opportunity... time! Not only will you have access to the space for longer period but also I would love to provide mini-lessons on resources, research and CBL but also digital learning and anything for you and your students - MADE TO ORDER!
Last year our "Smart Lunch" system was really successful and I really loved that ALL faculty could come to the Learning Commons at least once a month. With the opportuity to come through the TEAM ELECTIVES, I am thinking of another great opportunity... time! Not only will you have access to the space for longer period but also I would love to provide mini-lessons on resources, research and CBL but also digital learning and anything for you and your students - MADE TO ORDER!
Did you know?
. . . in just 3 Years!
CIRCULATION has DOUBLED!
Based on an average annual circulation from 2008-13: 3,800
Average annual circulation from 2013-16: 7,321
MASSIVE UPGRADE to our COLLECTION!
2013-14: 1,122 removed 1,074 added
2014-15: 1,804 removed 2,474 added
2015-16: 4,622 removed 4,131 added
TOTAL 7,548 removed 8,753 added
Based on an average annual circulation from 2008-13: 3,800
Average annual circulation from 2013-16: 7,321
MASSIVE UPGRADE to our COLLECTION!
2013-14: 1,122 removed 1,074 added
2014-15: 1,804 removed 2,474 added
2015-16: 4,622 removed 4,131 added
TOTAL 7,548 removed 8,753 added
Interested in seeing a snapshot of our
Library Upgrade Plan?
Click on presentation below to see the plan & the progress!
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2015-16 School Year Happenings
Bring them Back!
All books are due back to the library by the end of MAY which is Tuesday the 31st. LAST Checkout of Books is Wednesday the 24th of May. Please be sure to clear your library account of overdue fines and of course any overdue BOOKS. Ms Deaton will be collecting fines and cost of replacement for lost books. Please be aware that all books checked out to you will be on your account until you graduate high school. Check out the two videos below (the first one was made by the Friends of the Library club) to remind yourself of just why it is important to return your books so others can enjoy them.
Bookfair May 2-6th
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CLICK on the image to above to Learn more about the Bookfair, links to video trailers and author interviews on Scholastic site, and more about the Spooky Reader's Theater on Wednesday, October 28th after school.
Celebrate the
FREADOM to READ
September is
Banned Book Month!
Every September libraries around the country Celebrate FREEDOM of EXPRESSION and FREADOM to READ
SO, come visit the library at your SMART LUNCH and check out a great book....maybe even one that someone once challenged. Did you know that libraries are on the front line to protect our freedom of expression & freedom of information, so when Dr. Seuss's Hop on Pop, or the Harry Potter series were challenged by fearful parents, librarians were there to offer some perspective and pause to the censors. Even more shocking is the fact that many people who want a book banned may do so without ever even reading the book in question. While it is true that elementary and middle school libraries take great lengths to choose age appropriate materials for students, what is appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another. We always encourage kids to think critically in all settings, especially using the Internet, and ask yourself if the content is appropriate. Anytime you find information that is too difficult to read, or you are uncomfortable with because of its maturity level or content, only you can close that window, or put a book back. We want YOU to learn how to make that decision, not someone else.
SO, come visit the library at your SMART LUNCH and check out a great book....maybe even one that someone once challenged. Did you know that libraries are on the front line to protect our freedom of expression & freedom of information, so when Dr. Seuss's Hop on Pop, or the Harry Potter series were challenged by fearful parents, librarians were there to offer some perspective and pause to the censors. Even more shocking is the fact that many people who want a book banned may do so without ever even reading the book in question. While it is true that elementary and middle school libraries take great lengths to choose age appropriate materials for students, what is appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another. We always encourage kids to think critically in all settings, especially using the Internet, and ask yourself if the content is appropriate. Anytime you find information that is too difficult to read, or you are uncomfortable with because of its maturity level or content, only you can close that window, or put a book back. We want YOU to learn how to make that decision, not someone else.
Click pic to learn more
APRIL & MAY
Poetry & Short Story
Theater @ Carroll
Art Extravaganza & Creativity Coffeehouse!
Camped out in
Barnes & Noble!
A Librarian's Dream
I spent the entire weekend working on a MASSIVE list of books to purchase ($50k) for our library Learning Commons! In need of Starbucks and a little inspiration... I decided to camp out at Barnes and Noble to enjoy this DREAM OF A LIFETIME [for a librarian at least!] The job of putting together a list of books is indeed a dream, but also a mountain to climb. It was a long journey, but our Carroll students and faculty will soon see the rewards!
While it does seem like a dream, it certainly cannot realistically be done in a weekend. The journey began several years! A part of the preparation process is to conduct an inventory, an up to date collection analysis and plan, then to do a wide range of eliminating/processing old books out of the collection. The next phase is to recalculate the needs for an upgrade of our collection taking into consideration our school's unique needs and our theme, including a variety of collection analysis tools. The wish lists of students and teachers are factored into the mix too! From 2013, I have been tracking interests and what we need in the library. There are fortunately many librarians and specialists behind the scenes compiling lists of excellent books too (reviewing School Library Journal reviews and compiling Award winning books) which then make it into a the hands of our district library leaders and ME, the school librarian.
Result in this past school year? From November 2015 to March 2016 the average age of our library collection went from 1994 to 2004! A jump of 10 years! That is a MAJOR leap forward. We are expecting an even greater leap forward with the inclusion of the latest book order set to arrive this May!
THE VALUE OF A THRIVING SCHOOL LIBRARY!
Anyone who has ever picked up a book knows that the library and great books are where we experience WONDER; where we fall in love with great stories, toy with possibilities and allow our imagination room to play.
We are SO fortunate to be in a district where our library - media center - aka Learning Commons - are supported because they are seen as not only foundations for literacy, but also a life-long skill that feeds our dreams!
While it does seem like a dream, it certainly cannot realistically be done in a weekend. The journey began several years! A part of the preparation process is to conduct an inventory, an up to date collection analysis and plan, then to do a wide range of eliminating/processing old books out of the collection. The next phase is to recalculate the needs for an upgrade of our collection taking into consideration our school's unique needs and our theme, including a variety of collection analysis tools. The wish lists of students and teachers are factored into the mix too! From 2013, I have been tracking interests and what we need in the library. There are fortunately many librarians and specialists behind the scenes compiling lists of excellent books too (reviewing School Library Journal reviews and compiling Award winning books) which then make it into a the hands of our district library leaders and ME, the school librarian.
Result in this past school year? From November 2015 to March 2016 the average age of our library collection went from 1994 to 2004! A jump of 10 years! That is a MAJOR leap forward. We are expecting an even greater leap forward with the inclusion of the latest book order set to arrive this May!
THE VALUE OF A THRIVING SCHOOL LIBRARY!
Anyone who has ever picked up a book knows that the library and great books are where we experience WONDER; where we fall in love with great stories, toy with possibilities and allow our imagination room to play.
We are SO fortunate to be in a district where our library - media center - aka Learning Commons - are supported because they are seen as not only foundations for literacy, but also a life-long skill that feeds our dreams!
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Thanks for all of the donations for
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Challenge Yourself! Learn something New!
In the spirit of LEARNING.... and our Q2 CBL Theme: Learn, Ms. Deaton pulled out a ukelele and decided to create her own challenge... to learn a new holiday song every day before the break! Dec. 1 was devoted to Jingle Bells... Ms. Deaton gave her 82 year old mother a ukelele and is hoping to do some jamming over the winter break. Ms. Deaton gave her mother a fretless electric bass last year for Christmas and then taught her the bass line to House of the Rising Sun. COOL HUH!!! The key to living a life of Joy is to keep a sense of wonder alive. As long as you have that sense of WONDER and a desire to LEARN.... life keeps going on and on.
What Challenge do you have for yourself? Let your imagination run wild! Need inspiration... visit the Inspiration page with a Superbookninja Youtube channel called "INSPIRATION".
Go ahead... If you are going to Dream... DREAM BIG!
What Challenge do you have for yourself? Let your imagination run wild! Need inspiration... visit the Inspiration page with a Superbookninja Youtube channel called "INSPIRATION".
Go ahead... If you are going to Dream... DREAM BIG!
Fall Newsletter
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The Carroll Library Learning Commons has gone through a massive upgrade. Learn more about how the library serves the Carroll community, and a look at some of the impressive stats on new books, new furniture and more by clicking on the archived newsletter (above). Stay up to date with the latest news, events, etc by book marking this Carroll News Page.
October 23-30
Fine Forgiveness: October Only
One time a year Ms. Deaton offers FINE FORGIVENESS...IF you can clear your account at least one time and show Ms. Deaton. When Ms. Deaton sees that you have returned all books, she will delete (manually) your fines. This is not an automatic gift...you will need to talk to Ms. Deaton about this.
One time a year Ms. Deaton offers FINE FORGIVENESS...IF you can clear your account at least one time and show Ms. Deaton. When Ms. Deaton sees that you have returned all books, she will delete (manually) your fines. This is not an automatic gift...you will need to talk to Ms. Deaton about this.
CHOOSE YOUR TOP FOUR! & VOTE (click pic above)
Hunger Games City of Bones Divergent Maze Runner Out of My Mind Wonder Diary of a Wimpy Kid Big Nate Things that go Bump in the Night Series of Unfortunate Events Bluford High series Tears of a Tiger Amulet Bone Titan’s Curse Explorer:lost islands Gym Candy Unstoppable Dork Diaries Smile Battle of the Labryinth Savage Fortress Fault in our Stars Harry Potter series House of Scorpion Matched Twilight series Beautiful Creatures Love, Stargirl Chasing Lincoln’s Killer Brown Girl Dreaming Miracle’s Boys THEME for January and February is
HOW TO HEAL A BROKEN HEART! The library now has a massive HEART hanging from the ceiling. Did you know that you can heal a broken heart with a book? Reading a book is a deeply immersive experience, and requires some dedication, focus and imagination. There are characters and stories that will change your life. Check out the various sub-themes under the banner "How to Heal a Broken Heart" Understanding ....
The Gift of Reading!The Library did something a little unique during the holiday season. Ms. Deaton gave students a chance to request a "surprise" book that she and her elves wrapped up (with handmade paper!). Ms. Deaton and elves wrapped over 75 books for students. Students came to the library on Thursday and Friday before the winter break to pick up their gift, with the promise that they would wait until Saturday morning, at least, before opening their book. Many students came back after the break with a big smile when they returned the surprise book to the library. It was such a success that we will plan to do this again next year, and Ms. Deaton may even orchestrate another "Gift of Reading" request system to hand-select books for students. Ms. Deaton said, "I couldn't believe how the thought of unwrapping a book that I selected for students would motivate kids to read! Wow!"
Carroll Hosted
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Carroll's first annual Creative Writing Contest!Are you a creative writer? A Poet? An Author? Then submit your finest work by May 22nd to Ms. Deaton on an electronic document file.
Tablet Love!!
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Follow SUPERBOOKNINJA on Twitter for up to date photos from events.
Schedule of Events (details on this page) MARCH Bracketology Madness - Top Reads and Top Teams! Vote for a prize Free eMagazines till end of March FEBRUARY "How to Heal a Broken Heart" Feb.14, Sat. Battle of the Books competition DECEMBER Dec. Request: a "gift" book Dec. December The Gift of Reading NOVEMBER Nov.1 Deadline for SkyAuthors Writing Contest OCTOBER Oct. 20-24 Bookfair EXTENDED TO Oct 25 till 9 am Oct. 20 Deadline for Pre-orders of book, and CONTEST submissions to see Jacqueline Woodson Oct. 22, Jacqueline Woodson visits Carroll Oct. 28, Spooky Reader's Theater |
Spooky
Reader's Theater...
Oct 28th during LEAD
CHILLING end of the quarter event...
By invitation ONLY (through Language Arts) to celebrate readers. If you are brave, you may be a part of the experience... Don't be Afraid to Readand you may bring a short scary story to share... o.
Reader's Theater...
Oct 28th during LEAD
CHILLING end of the quarter event...
By invitation ONLY (through Language Arts) to celebrate readers. If you are brave, you may be a part of the experience... Don't be Afraid to Readand you may bring a short scary story to share... o.
Click here for more details on the Carroll
Book Challenge ...
Archived Newsletters
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